ARC 2026: Start in Las Palmas on 22 November, destination Saint Lucia

This page was translated automatically from German. View the original

The ARC 2026 starts on Sunday, 22 November 2026, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and covers around 2,700 nautical miles to Rodney Bay on Saint Lucia. The sister rally ARC+ sets off two weeks earlier, on 8 November, sailing via the Cape Verde Islands to Grenada (as of October 2026).

When does the ARC 2026 start and what is the schedule?

The start is on 22 November 2026 off the harbour of Las Palmas. The shore programme begins as early as 10 November, and on 19 December the ARC 2026 ends with the prize-giving on Saint Lucia.

The World Cruising Club, which emerged from the first ARC in 1986, has set these key dates for 2026:

• 10 November: The rally office in Las Palmas opens, the shore programme begins.
• 15 November: final arrival date for participating yachts in Las Palmas.
• 21 November: Skipper briefing.
• 22 November: Start.
• 10 December: The rally office in Rodney Bay opens.
• 9 to 15 December: expected arrival of most yachts.
• 18 December: The finish line closes.
• 19 December: Prize-giving on Saint Lucia.

The organiser reserves the right to make changes and will communicate them to the crews. Anyone travelling to watch should therefore check the official ARC 2026 page.

What route does the ARC 2026 sail?

The ARC sails non-stop from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney Bay in the north of Saint Lucia. The distance is around 2,700 nm; the nautical mile figures are rounded sea distances on the usual course; for precise planning refer to the chart. An average cruising yacht takes 18 to 21 days.

The record time has stood since 2016 at 8 days and 6 hours, set by a US maxi yacht.

How many yachts are sailing in the ARC 2026?

The organiser has not yet published a final entry number for 2026. Around 150 boats per year is typical; in 2025, 145 yachts with crews from more than 30 nations took the start.

Monohulls and multihulls as well as motor yachts between 27 and 100 feet in length (8.23 to 32 metres) are permitted. Most participants sail in the cruising division. There is also a racing division for monohulls with a valid IRC rating certificate, i.e. measurement under the international handicap formula. Those starting there may not motor and must meet the international offshore safety regulations for Category 1 races, which apply to long passages on the open sea. In 2025 there were separate starts for multihulls, the racing division and the cruising division, each a quarter of an hour apart.

What is the ARC+ 2026 and how does it differ?

The ARC+ is the smaller sister rally with a stopover. It starts on 8 November 2026 in Las Palmas, sails around 850 nm to Mindelo on São Vicente and from there around 2,150 nm to Grenada.

In Mindelo the yachts are expected between 13 and 15 November; on 20 November they continue. The destination is Port Louis Marina in St George's on Grenada, with the prize-giving on 10 December. The fleet is usually limited to just under 100 boats between 27 and 65 feet. In 2025, 86 yachts sailed with 417 crew members from 29 countries; after Great Britain, Germany provided the second-largest group.

What's happening in Las Palmas before the start?

In the nearly two weeks before the start, the marina at Las Palmas fills with offshore yachts from all over the world. Highlights for spectators are the opening ceremony with flag parade and the start day itself.

At last year's opening, the crews paraded along the waterfront promenade at the harbour with the flags of their home countries, accompanied by musical groups. The ceremony took place a week before the start; on the same day a dinghy race in the harbour basin was part of the programme. Similar events are announced for 2026; the organiser publishes dates and times on its overview of public events.

Anyone arriving in Las Palmas with their own boat during these weeks should expect a full harbour. In previous years the harbour authority has therefore opened additional anchorage zones, from 30 days before the start until the day after. Anchoring is then only permitted within the designated areas. More about the harbour itself can be found in our profile Las Palmas for sailors.

Where can you best see the ARC start in Las Palmas?

Good spots are the waterfront promenade Avenida Marítima, the hill above the old town district of Vegueta and the San José neighbourhood. Last year the yachts left the harbour from 9 a.m., with start signals from 12.30 p.m.

In 2025 the multihulls started at 12.30 p.m., the racing division at 12.45 p.m. and the cruising division at 1 p.m. Many spectators watched the start from the harbour mole. Those arriving early can see beforehand how the fleet gradually leaves the marina.

How can you follow the ARC 2026 live?

Every yacht carries a YB3 satellite tracker that regularly reports its position, speed and course. A few days before the start, the fleet map is activated and can be reached via the organiser's rally page and via the "YB Races" app.

The map shows the position of every boat, the distance sailed each day and the distance to the next harbour. You can find individual yachts by name, so family and friends can follow a particular boat across the whole Atlantic. The same applies to the ARC+.

What awaits the fleet in Rodney Bay?

The destination is Rodney Bay in the north of Saint Lucia, where the yachts berth at IGY Rodney Bay Marina. From 10 December the rally office is open there, and there are receptions and events around the marina and the neighbouring village of Gros Islet.

Most yachts arrive between 9 and 15 December. The finish line closes on 18 December, followed by prize-giving the next day. You can read about how the marina is laid out and what facilities it has in our feature Rodney Bay Marina on St Lucia.

Frequently asked questions

When does the ARC 2026 start?

On Sunday, 22 November 2026, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The ARC+ starts earlier, on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

How long does the ARC take?

An average cruising yacht needs 18 to 21 days for the roughly 2,700 nautical miles. The finish line in Rodney Bay closes in 2026 on 18 December.

Is the ARC a regatta?

Mostly not. Most boats sail in the cruising class with its own scoring. Within the rally there is a racing class for IRC-rated monohulls, which sail without engine and under the racing rules.

Where can I find the ARC 2026 tracker?

On the organiser's rally page. The fleet map is linked there, showing every yacht with its current position, speed and course.

Can you watch the ARC start in Las Palmas?

Yes, the opening ceremony and start are public events. Good vantage points for the start are Avenida Marítima, the hillside above Vegueta and San José.

Atlantic, Caribbean and Regatta sailing on Törnfinder

Anyone who would like to go on an ocean passage themselves will find offers on Törnfinder for the Cabin Charter for a Transatlantic Crossing. If you are interested in the rally's destination, look under Sailing in the Caribbean, and if you would rather do some regatta sailing yourself, under Sailing in a regatta.